Compare MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Morphine (morphine sulfate) and Tylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen/codeine) are both used to relieve pain, but they have some key differences. Morphine is a stronger opioid medication that can be used for both sudden (acute) and long-lasting (chronic) pain. It comes in various forms, including pills, liquid, and suppositories, and is typically prescribed when non-opioid medications aren't enough. On the other hand, Tylenol with Codeine is a combination of acetaminophen and codeine, used for mild-to-moderate pain. It is available as a tablet and liquid and is generally for short-term use. Morphine is a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating a higher potential for misuse and dependence compared to Tylenol with Codeine, which is a Schedule III controlled substance. Both medications can cause side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation, but morphine has a higher risk of causing severe breathing problems and addiction. Additionally, Tylenol with Codeine contains acetaminophen, so you need to be cautious about not exceeding the daily limit to avoid liver damage.
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Summary of MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Summary for OpioidPrescription onlyMorphine is an opioid medication used to relieve pain when non-opioid medications don't provide enough relief. This medication comes as a pill, an oral liquid, as well as a rectal suppository. Depending on the form, it can be used to control sudden (acute) pain quickly or more long-lasting (chronic) pain. Common side effects of morphine include feeling sleepy, feeling dizzy, and having constipation.
Summary for Analgesic / OpioidPrescription onlyTylenol with Codeine (acetaminophen / codeine), also known as Tylenol #3, is a combination opioid medication. Both acetaminophen and codeine treat mild-to-moderate pain by blocking pain signals in the body. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 hours as needed. Tylenol with Codeine is available as a tablet and liquid. Like other opioids, Tylenol with Codeine can cause common side effects like sleepiness, dizziness, and constipation. It also has a warning for dangerous breathing problems and risk of dependence and misuse.
Indications of MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Indications for•Pain that isn't relieved by non-opioid medicationsIndications forPros and Cons of MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Pros and Const for OpioidPros•Relieves pain that isn't controlled with non-opioid pain medications•Can relieve both quick, sudden pain and long-term (chronic) pain•Available in liquid form and suppositories for people who have trouble swallowing pillsCons•Risk of misuse and dependency•Can cause constipation•Must slowly lower the dose if you want to stop the medication after taking for a long time to prevent withdrawal•A controlled substance, so there are special requirements to get a prescription filledPros and Const for Analgesic / OpioidPros•Works well for treating mild-to-moderate pain•Combines 2 medications with different modes of pain relief into a single pill•Available in a liquid form for people who have trouble swallowing tablets•Available as a generic medicationCons•For short-term pain relief only•Can be habit-forming•Not recommended to take with other medications containing acetaminophen, since it can raise the risk of liver damage•Liquid solution contains alcoholCommon Side Effects of MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Common Side Effects for•Constipation•Nausea•Vomiting•Sleepiness•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•SweatingCommon Side Effects for•Drowsiness•Lightheadedness•Dizziness•Sleepiness•Trouble breathing•Nausea•Vomiting•Constipation•SweatingWarnings of MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
Common Side Effects for•Potential for addiction and misuse•Potentially life-threatening slowed breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk of accidental overdose•Harm to newborn babies when taken during pregnancy•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Low hormone levels•Low blood pressure•Higher risk of seizures in people with seizure conditions•Physical dependence and withdrawalCommon Side Effects for•Potential for dependence and misuse•Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)•Risk of accidental overdose•Harm to newborn babies•Serious medication interactions•Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness•Liver damage•Severe allergic and skin reactions•Seizures•Low blood pressure•Low adrenal hormone levels•Caution in certain medical conditions•WithdrawalPrices with our coupons for MS Contin vs. Tylenol With Codeine
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